“Burn those who burned me!” Chapter 31

Chapter 30: The Charity Ball Part 4.

***\-Aaron’s POV:***

Aaron could see Thomas making his way over to his section. Vincent and Damon had already filled him in about Thomas and the Crests falling apart. Everything was coming together as planned. He and Uncle Pete glanced at each other signally that it was almost time to bring Rabena. As Thomas grew closer, Pete walked away to find Gloria and Rabena. Vincent made his way over to Aaron. Just then, Thomas walked up with this huge smile on his face.

*“Chairman Michaels, apologies for my brother-in-law earlier. Though I must admit, I was little surprised to learn Damon is here. If you don’t mind my asking, how do you know him?”*

Aaron knew Thomas was trying to play it cool, but he could see the sweat forming on his forehead as he spoke. Giving a slight smile Aaron signaled for Thomas to follow him over towards the stage. As they walked, Aaron began to speak.

*“I actually had the pleasure of meeting Damon Crest recently. We even spoke about his sister.”*

Aaron looked at Thomas with a mischievous grin, he knew mentioning Rabena would send instant fear to him. Judging by his expression, he was right. The color in Thomas’s face was almost completely drained.

*“I-Is that right? Um, what did he say.”*

Aaron was having too good a time watching Thomas panic. It was what he deserved after what his finance suffered through at the hands of him.

*“Oh, a little of this and that. You can tell he’s really protective of her. Though I must say, after learning all about her, I almost asked him for her hand in marriage.”*

The two men reached their destination, Aaron was now staring Thomas directly in the face. Thomas looked as if the ceiling was about to fall, ‘Is he joking? Isn’t he about to introduce me to his fiancé?” Walking right into his trap, Thomas arrogantly reminded Aaron that Rabena was his wife.

*“Well, I guess it’s ashamed I married her first.”*

Thomas looked smugly at Aaron. Although he wanted this deal, he wasn’t about to let Michaels disrespect him, as far as he knew, Rabena was his wife! Aaron gave Thomas a blank look, it was pissing him off hearing him call Rabena his wife, but he had to stick to the plan. Smiling coolly, Aaron let out a chuckle.

*“I suppose it is. Although, the way you spoke so highly of that Danielle person, I would have thought SHE was your wife. Especially the way she clung onto your arm tonight. It’s a shame your wife is sick I would have loved to meet her. Maybe some other time hmm.”*

Thomas could feel something was off, he wasn’t sure why, but Michaels entire demeanor was different. Something felt cold, distant. Pushing those thoughts back, Thomas told himself it must be his nerves. Besides, he planned on remarrying Rabena anyway so that smug look on Michales’ face wouldn’t last forever.

*“Indeed! I’ll have to plan a gathering after the merger so that our wives can meet.”*

Aaron nearly burst out laughing. Though he had to give it to Lockwood, he was truly committed to this lie. Aaron turned to Vincent as he nodded his head indicating Rabena was ready, a smile on his face he turned back over to Thomas.

*“Well, let’s not waste anymore time than shall we. Lockwood, first let me say I’ve decided to make the deal with Lockwood Architecture Corp. It’s going to be a multibillion-dollar deal as we plan to expand the entire Northern Continent”*

Thomas could hardly believe his ears! Just like that! The deal was even larger than he’d dreamed! Not to mention he hadn’t even had the chance to meet Michaels’ fiancé. What had changed his mind? Well, whatever it was, he sure as hell wasn’t going to question it! Grabbing Aaron’s hand to shake it, Thomas could hardly contain his glee.

*“C-Chairman Michaels, I don’t know what to say! Thank you! This means so much to me!”*

Just as Thomas began thanking Aaron, his grandmother and Tyler walked over. Thomas seeing Tyler had an instant smug expression on his face. Walking over to the chairwoman, Thomas grabbed her hand.

*“Grandmother! You’ll believe this! I just secured a multibillion-dollar deal with MGT’s Chairman!”*

Chairwoman Lockwood looked at her ridiculous grandson with a blank expression. She couldn’t believe how clueless he was. Tyler turned his head in disgust. Thomas, assuming it was due to jealousy as he had just secured the CEO position, wasted no time rubbing it in his face.

*“My dear cousin, with this new deal, I’m sure I can find something for you to be in charge of. With me becoming CEO, I’ll make sure to take care of you.”*

Tyler couldn’t help but laugh, Thomas truly was a fool. Before he could respond, his grandmother spoke.

*“What makes you think you’re the new CEO?”*

Thomas had a puzzled look on his face, surly she couldn’t be serious. He’d just secured a billion-dollar deal, pushing back his concerns and doubts, Thomas assumed his grandmother was joking. Turning back to Aaron, he resumed their conversation.

*“Chairman Michaels, you’ll have to excuse my grandmother, though she may not always show it, she’s beyond elated.”*

Aaron remained silent, watching Thomas gloat and celebrate was making it that much easier to bring on his downfall. The truth of that matter was Aaron found his behavior disgusting. Claiming credit for a deal he had no parts in was what pissed him off the most. Claiming glory for a deal your WIFE secured is what made him all the more disgusting. As a waiter walked by, Aaron signaled for him to bring over drinks.

*“Lockwood, why don’t we toast to the new deal between our companies.”*

Thomas’s face lit up! This was surely a joyous moment. Grabbing three glasses, he handed one to his grandmother and one to Tyler. Aaron did a light tap on his glass causing others to look in their direction. Suddenly the music playing paused as Aaron walked up to the podium and grabbed the mic, all eyes on him.

*“If I could have everyone’s attention please.”*

All eyes were on Aaron as he continued.

*“First, I’d like to think everyone for coming to my annual charity ball. The money raised here tonight will be used to fund the orphanage center here in Banton. Part of the reason I do these events all over the world is to make sure my company continues to help these organizations.”*

Loud claps and cheers spread throughout the ballroom. Aaron held his hand up signally for the crowd to quiet down as he continued.

*“Second, as many of you may or may not know, I recently got engaged. So, I’ll be introducing my beautiful fiancé soon! And lastly, I’d like to use this opportunity to announce that MGT Hotels and Resorts will coming to the entire Northern continent! I’m pleased to announce that Lockwood Architecture Corp will be the leading architecture and designing company!”*

Cheers irrupted throughout the ballroom, many screaming congratulations to the Lockwoods for landing such a deal. As the applauds continue, the Crests made their way over to the front. The looks on their faces were stunned. They couldn’t believe Thomas actually secured the deal. Davis was the first to congratulate him.

*“Thomas my boy! Congratulations to my dear son-in-law!”*

Thomas had a smug look as he shook Davis’s hand. Looking over at Darius and Daniel whose faces darken, he let out a light chuckle. Danielle kept her eyes on Aaron, she would wait until after the celebrating to make her move.